Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Veggie Pasta Salad with Bacon


When the weather warms up some we enjoy all kinds of salads from an Easy Macaroni Salad to Potato Salad,  Coleslaw and more!  This Veggie Pasta Salad with Bacon incorporates some fresh veggies, pasta and bacon in a delicious sauce! Dig in!


Ingredients
2 cups Bow Tie Pasta (or pasta of your choice)
1 small head broccoli, chopped
2 small carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
6 tbls. white vinegar
2 tbls. sugar
1 tbls. parsley flakes
Course-ground black pepper and Himalayan salt, to taste

6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, reserved

Options - add cooked, cubed chicken or ham for a complete "meal-in-one" summer dish.

Method
Cook Bow Tie Pasta in a large pan filled with boiling water until barely done, or al dente'.  Drain and rinse well with cold water.  


In a large bowl add cooked pasta, chopped broccoli, carrots, celery, onion.  

In a small bowl, mix all other remaining ingredients, except cooked and crumbled bacon, until well blended.  

Pour sauce over top of veggies and pasta and mix well with a spoon; mixture will look soupy.  The pasta will absorb the liquid as it cools.  

Spoon into a covered bowl and store in the refrigerator several hours. 

Before serving, mix well with a spoon, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Top servings with crumbled bacon. 

Serve cold with your choice of grilled or barbecued meats. 

Enjoy,
Mary